CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi is aghast at members of the Special Panel invited to view Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavatinow retitled to Padmavat, who are now expressing displeasure over the film’s certification.

Says Prasoon, “The role of Special Panel was only advisory in nature. Let’s be clear that role of the special panel was to give advice and add perspective to the CBFCs regular panel for which the CBFC is appreciative and thankful.”

However the CBFC chief is not agreeable to members of the Special Panel claiming ownership over the certification of Padmavati. Says Prasoon, “The final decision stays with the CBFC Committee. The special panel were aware of this as well. In the decision of CBFC, some parts of the advice do find reflection but as iterated the final decision for certification is with the CBFC committee”

Prasoon stands by the CBFC’s decision on Padmavati. “The CBFC has taken a pragmatic and balanced view. Unnecessary controversy should not be made out of it.”